it was just a year after mandela was elected president he turned to sport to help unite his still divided country. it was the 1995 rugby world cup. mandela encouraged the nation to believe in the slogan of one team, one country. the image of mandela wearing the color and handing the trophy to the team captain was a symbol of unification. 63,000 people in the stands for the game. afterwards, the captain summed up saying we didn't have the support of 63,000 south africans today, we have the support of 42 million. we are hearing from ali tonight. he taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. his was a spirit born free destined to soar above the rainbows. today, his spirit is soaring through the heavens. he is now forever free. >> some of the best in sports. >> it really is. >> thank you, dianna. >> nbc "nightly news" is coming up next. it is a one hour special report on nelson mandela. >> s once upon a time, an insurance clerk stumbled upon a cottage. [knock] no one was at home, but on the kitchen table sat three insurance policies. the first had lots of coverage. the second, only a little. but